Design Automation Engineer - Neuromorphic Computing

Intel Corporation; Hillsboro (OR); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

Intel Corporation is seeking an experienced design automation engineer to advance Loihi's asynchronous EDA flow, combining ASCI tool flow expertise with modern AI-driven automation. You will work across RTL, verification, and physical design to push silicon from concept to functional hardware, with a strong software background and willingness to learn new methodologies.

The role emphasizes developing automation, supporting multiple silicon tape-outs, and collaborating with software teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree with 4+ years / 2+ years of experience in silicon tool flows.
• Experience delivering ASIC tool suites: synthesis, place & route, ATPG, FEV, RV, LVS/DRC.
• Strong scripting: Perl, TCL, Python; experience with AI-assisted tool flows is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Enhance and maintain Loihi's asynchronous EDA tool flow with automation and tests.
• Support RTL designers, verification engineers and physical design engineers with automated solutions to meet KPIs.
• Enable early SW development by mapping silicon designs in simulation and emulation.
• Write scripts to manipulate synthesis and physical design tools for low power/high performance designs.

Skills

SystemVerilog

System-C

OO programming

ASIC design flow

Scripting languages

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Perl

TCL

Python

EDA tool suites

HAPS FPGA platforms

ZeBu emulation

Job description

Job Details: Job Description

The Opportunity For nearly a decade, Intel's Neuromorphic Computing Lab-together with a global ecosystem of 250+ research groups-has explored architectures, algorithms, and software inspired by the brain's extraordinary efficiency, scalability, and adaptability. Our Loihi series of research chips pioneered event-driven, sparse, and massively parallel neuro-inspired processing, fueling over 100 peer-reviewed publications that validate the promise of this novel approach. Now, we're entering an exciting new chapter: transforming these breakthroughs into real-world products that will power the coming era of physical AI systems-beyond the reach of GPUs and mainstream AI accelerators. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of computing, from transistor-level innovation to software abstractions, join us. Help define the next wave of AI technology that harnesses the proven advantages of Intel's neuromorphic computing technology with the versatility demanded by modern AI workloads.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced design automation engineer passionate about driving innovation at the intersection between emerging semiconductor technology, physical AI and novel computing paradigms. Loihi's silicon design flow is unique in the industry combining high-performance asynchronous design methods with standard EDA tools for silicon implementation. You will help pioneer the tool flows and automation methods required to bring these novel designs from concept to silicon, developing new capabilities spanning front-end design, physical implementation, verification, and FPGA-based emulation. Candidates should be familiar with the entire silicon design lifecycle and adapt to the requirements of our custom flow. A strong software background and an openness to learning new technologies and methodologies, such as asynchronous design, is essential. Experience with the latest AI-driven automation, agentic engineering assistants, and generative AI development tools is expected and will be a key contributor to success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Enhance and maintain Loihi's asynchronous EDA tool flow by implementing design automation algorithms, software tools, utilities, and regression tests.
• Support RTL designers, verification engineers and physical design engineers by providing automated solutions to achieve product quality and target KPIs.
• Enable early SW development by setting up a scalable framework mapping silicon designs in simulation and emulation.
• Write custom scripts to manipulate synthesis and physical design tools for low power/high performance custom designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelors and 4+ years OR Masters and 2+ years of experience in developing and deploying production quality tools, flows and methods for silicon design.
• 4+ years of experience in developing and maintaining the entire ASIC tool suite. E.g. synthesis, place and route, ATPG, FEV, RV, STA, LVS/DRC.
• 4+ years of experience with scripting languages such as Perl, TCL, Python, etc.
• 2+ years of experience in delivering multiple silicon tape-outs.

Preferred qualifications

• Strong System-Verilog/System-C/Object Oriented Programming background.
• Experience with large scale FPGA platforms like HAPS and/or emulation frameworks like ZeBu.
• 1+ year of experience using AI tools for setting up tool flows, debugging and improving overall productivity.

Job Type

Experienced Hire Shift: Shift 1 (United States of America) Primary Location: US, Oregon, Hillsboro Additional Locations: US, Arizona, Phoenix, US, California, Folsom, US, California, Santa Clara, US, Texas, Austin

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel. Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $122,440.00-232,190.00 USD. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site.

* Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter. Intel’s official careers website.